Pharmacology

Course overview

Gain a deep understanding of how medicines work, how they’re developed, and how pharmacology plays a vital role in global health as science evolves to develop new and better treatments for disease. At Aston University, our BSc (Hons) Pharmacology degree is grounded in world-class research, and taught by experts with strong connections to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. You'll study the science of drug action in detail and investigate specialist critical areas such as neuropharmacology, toxicology, and personalised medicine.

Designed with flexibility and the future in mind, the programme builds your scientific knowledge and practical skills year by year, allowing for specialisation in advanced pharmacology during your final year of study.

Why Pharmacology at Aston University?

Research-led teaching

Taught by expert research-active staff with pharmacology industry experience.

Career-focused

Dedicated key skills stream to develop your employability and critical thinking, incorporating Aston Power Skills.

Flexible learning

Optional placement year with full support from Aston’s award-winning placements team - gaining real-world experience develop professional skills.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability

Discover Power Skills

Course description

BSc (Hons) Pharmacology

Our BSc (Hons) Pharmacology degree at Aston University is built on our internationally recognised research into the mechanisms of disease and how innovative drug therapies can be used to improve the health and well-being of both humans and animals. You’ll study how modern medicines work at the molecular and cellular level, and how cutting-edge pharmacological approaches are helping to tackle some of the world’s most urgent health challenges.

Our expert academic staff are active researchers with longstanding global collaborations across academia, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. As the development of new drug treatments becomes an increasing priority for the government and global health leaders, you’ll be learning in a context that is both highly relevant and future-focused.

Using our sector-leading and recently refurbished practical laboratories, you will learn how receptors, proteins and cells around the body can be influenced by pharmacological treatments. You’ll find out how we discover the mechanisms of cellular communication and brain function, and how these complex processes go wrong in disease.

The degree provides a broad foundation in physiology, biochemistry and neuroscience, alongside specialised modules in pharmacology and drug development, giving you the knowledge and practical skills to pursue a range of biomedical, pharmaceutical, or clinical careers.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you, fantastic facilities that will bring your course to life through hands-on, practical experience; years of close industry collaboration that is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs.

Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to hear from leading pharmacologists in our guest lectures and understand how research conducted at Aston University into areas like epilepsy, stress, schizophrenia and child development impacts the wider field of study.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understand that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, you must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
As a student in our BSc (Hons) Pharmacology programme, you will work closely with active researchers working on ground-breaking projects and study a range of modules designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating world of brain function.

Placement year
On our programme you will get to gain real-world experience with our optional integrated placement year, designed to help you stand out in the graduate crowd. You can choose to complete this exciting year in a variety of settings, from research laboratories to the pharmaceutical industry.

Career prospects
Studying pharmacology opens up a huge range of opportunities for graduates in the UK and internationally, and with our industry links graduates can go on to work for reputable companies in areas such as the pharmaceutical industry; regulatory affairs; governance and strategy; consultancy; education; academic research or clinical science.

How you will learn

Your time will be structured around conceptual blocks of learning, with the timetable arranged so that topics are covered in a coordinated, intensive manner. Practical classes will be aligned to the current topics so that you are able to put what you have studied into practice within the laboratory. Lectures and seminars will be supported by workshops and tutorials, so you will be guided in your reading and independent study and can demonstrate what you have learned. This method of learning also helps identify any areas where you need extra material or more help understanding key concepts during the term, so that everyone’s learning pace and style can be supported in the best possible way.

Throughout your first and second year, you will learn alongside our BSc (Hons) Neuroscience students to gain a fundamental understanding of the science behind pharmacology research and drug development. You’ll be supported with dedicated key skills modules to provide you with the analytical and critical thinking abilities to tackle a wide range of scientific problems and enable you to put those skills to use in your future careers in a wide range of areas.

Learning is delivered in intensive, topic-based blocks with interactive lectures, small-group tutorials, and practical lab sessions. You'll benefit from modern assessment methods focused on problem-solving and real-world application, with final-year project options in lab research, systematic reviews, or grant writing.

What you will learn

The course will build your knowledge from fundamental concepts through to the applied science of drug discovery and design. We will cover topics at the molecular level, such as biochemistry and receptor theory, and use these to explain the functions of cells and complex body systems. A series of options in the final year allows students to specialise and expand upon subject areas that interest them most, and our practical-focused course ends with a dissertation project on a wide range of available topics – whether in the lab or in the library.

All the way through the course, we will make sure that students are equipped with the latest and most employable skillsets beyond the science lab. Analytical approaches, critical thinking, computer and AI literacy combine with support in developing communication and presentation skills, societal awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Year 1

Learn how the molecular powerhouses of our cells work, how receptors and signalling cascades control our bodies’ development and function, and how all this comes together to enable our sensory systems and combat infection.

Year 2

Explore how our brains and organs function on a cellular and systems level – and enter the world of personalised medicine where our genetics and individual needs are driving the future of drug development. In a large, dedicated module at the end of the year, discover how the safety and effectiveness of new drugs is evaluated and refined, and how a little bit of toxin can sometimes be a very useful thing.

Optional Placement year (4-year programme)

Boost your future employability, make valuable professional connections and develop a range of valuable skills as you experience the world of work, with support from our academic team and our careers and placements advisors.

Final Year

Follow the journey of modern drug development in our core module, “Advanced Pharmacology – from Target to Market”. This will immerse you in the latest technologies for pharmacological intervention and show how the progress of new drugs through the regulatory system can be enhanced with cutting edge molecular biology and computational approaches.

Choose a range of optional modules led by researchers in the field – from the actions of prions to how we use cannabinoids to tackle hard-to-treat epilepsy. Follow your interests and make your degree tailored to you.

Finally, you’ll be supported to deliver a dissertation project from a wide range of topics. You can do this in the laboratory or, if you prefer, as a systematic literature review that takes in results from across your chosen field.

Facilities

Our pharmacology and neuroscience laboratories are among the best in the UK higher education sector — designed to give you hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in modern drug discovery and disease research.

You'll work with organ-bath rigs to explore drug- action studies, brain slice rigs for advanced neuropharmacology studies, and human EEG and EMG recording systems to investigate nervous system activity. Our labs are also equipped with a wide range of molecular biology equipment, giving you the opportunity to learn the same skills scientists use to uncover disease mechanisms and develop new drug treatments.

To support your studies, you'll have access to a wide range of dedicated software, well-equipped computer labs and extensive library collections to make sure you’ve got the resources needed to follow your intellectual curiosity. Many of our academic staff are world-leading researchers, working in high-spec, cutting-edge laboratories. You’ll gain insight not only into the theory of pharmacology but also how it’s applied in real scientific discovery and innovation.

Course objectives

Provides you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through a range of learning experiences.
Encourages you, through a practical approach, to have a passion for pharmacology and an enthusiasm for learning.
To provide you with an excellent learning experience that draws on the research of Aston academic staff.
To develop your skills and abilities in research and enquiry, information literacy, personal and intellectual autonomy, and ethical, social and professional understanding and empathy.
To produce graduates who can bring qualities of critical judgement and reasoning to their chosen occupation and who are capable of applying and disseminating knowledge.
To provide you with an intellectually rigorous and up-to-date education in pharmacology, including anatomical, pharmacological, physiological, molecular biological, developmental, behavioural and psychological based understandings of the structure and functions relating to pharmacology.
To produce graduates who understand the linkage between different areas of pharmacology.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Receptor Theory and Toxins: Learn how body systems function through the exploration of the role of receptors in communication and the use of drugs and toxins to uncover physiological function.	15
Biochemistry and Cell Biology: Learn how our cells function, how neurons communicate with each other, and how drugs work.	15
Cellular Neurobiology: Develop an understanding of how neurons function through the exploration of neural communication and the use of drugs and toxins to uncover physiological function.	15
Immunobiology: An overview of the key cells, molecules and systems to give an understanding of the immune system.	15
Systems Biology: An introduction to the integration and interdependence of systems in neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology.	30
Key Skills 1: Transferable skills development including data literacy, critical thinking, and personal development.	30
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Explain and evaluate knowledge and hypotheses concerning cellular and systems biology as applied to pharmacology.
Apply oral, written and group presentation skills for the purpose of scientific communication.
Apply practical laboratory skills including pragmatics of data collection and associated record keeping; begin to critically evaluate research design and data presentation, including basic formulations, descriptive statistics, and data visualisation.

Year 2 modules

In your second year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Peripheral Pharmacology: Develop an understanding of the function and dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system.	15
Neuropharmacology: Develop your knowledge of key cells, molecules, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators involved in the central nervous system (CNS) and the main pharmacological interventions in brain function such as antidepressants, sedatives and anaesthetics.	15
Personalised Medicine: This module focuses on how advances in genomic and immune system understanding have led to therapies for previously intractable autoimmune diseases, cancers, and introduces you to pharmacogenomics and pharmacoepidemiology, two powerful emerging disciplines which factor in race, ethnicity age and sex into pharmacotherapeutics.	15
Molecular Neurobiology: An exploration of how the complex interplay of molecules in neurons leads to fundamental processes such as memory formation, and how new developments in our understanding of molecular biology provides new and powerful targets for drug development.	15
Toxicology, Medicine Safety and Selective Toxicology: Develop an understanding of how drugs are distributed around the body, how side effects may happen, and the role of placebo and nocebo effects in drug efficacy and the role of selective toxicity in disease therapy.	30
Key Skills 2: You will further develop your scientific and translational skills acquired in your first year to further enhance your critical, analytical abilities,and communication skills.	30
Total	120

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Explain and evaluate knowledge and hypotheses concerning cellular and systems biology as applied to pharmacology.
Apply oral, written and group presentation skills for the purpose of scientific communication.
Apply practical laboratory skills including pragmatics of data collection and associated record keeping; begin to critically evaluate research design and data presentation, including basic formulations, descriptive statistics, and data visualisation.

Year 3 modules - Placement year (optional 4-year programme)

In your third year, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Placement year - Industry placement	120
Total	120

Year 3 outcomes

On successful completion of the third year, you will be able to:

Gain valuable career-boosting experience by setting your studies in the real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals.

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Pharmacology - from Target to Market: This module will cover advanced pharmacology topics through examples related to specific disease states such as schizophrenia and epilepsy, and the drug-development pathway from bench to bedside.	30
Research Project: Final Year Research Project	45

Total	75

As well as choose three 15-credit optional modules from a wide range of choices, examples include:

Module Title	Credits
Cannabinoid Pharmacology	15
Prions in Health and Disease	15
Treatment Development for Rare Diseases	15

Final year outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions and data concerning current research into pharmacology and explain and evaluate current hypotheses about the development and treatment of disease.
Critically evaluate, criticise and understand in depth the latest research and understanding in three chosen optional subject areas of pharmacology.
Research, analyse and present data in the form of a formal scientific dissertation on a topic in pharmacology.
Devise and sustain arguments and solve problems related to pharmacology enquiry.
Communicate ideas and information to others (lay and scientific).

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

There may be some change to some of the modules on this course for 2026/27 entry. We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course web pages. We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations.

The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

A Levels

BBB in three A Level subjects, which must include at least one science from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
BBC in three A Level subjects, which must include at least one science from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics plus B in an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Core Maths.
BCC in three A Level subjects which must include at least one science from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics for contextual offer students.*

The following subjects will not be considered as one of the core three A Levels - General Studies, Critical Thinking, and Citizenship Studies. We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking resits and only your latest grades will be accepted. We treat these applications in exactly the same way as other applications.

Contextual offers

Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

Contextual offer applicants need to achieve a grade C as listed below.

BTEC Qualification Name	BTEC grades required	A-Level Requirements
Extended Diploma (QCF) / National Extended Diploma (RQF)	Distinction, Distinction, Distinction* OR Distinction, Distinction, Distinction plus A Levels	This BTEC must be RQF – National in Applied Science DDD* (you do not require an additional A Level) OR This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science DDD and you must also achieve grade B in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. OR If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC which is QCF or RQF – National then you must achieve DDD and grade B in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Diploma (QCF) / National Diploma (RQF)	Distinction, Distinction (DD)	With this BTEC you must also achieve a grade B in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) / National Extended Certificate (RQF)	Distinction (D)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Level subjects of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
90 Credit Diploma (QCF)	Distinction, Distinction (DD)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Level subjects of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
National Foundation Diploma	Distinction (D)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Level subjects of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.

*Please note that on the UCAS application form QCF BTEC Extended Diploma appears under the name BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) and the RQF BTEC Extended Diploma appears under the name Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (1080) (2016 to Present). If you are unsure of which qualification you are taking, please contact your school or college provider to confirm.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Standard offer: 31 Overall, HL 5, 5, 5 which must include one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Maths and English Language.

Contextual offer: 28 points overall and must include grades 5, 4, 4 in Higher Level subjects which must include one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language for contextual offer students.*

Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 15 distinctions and 30 merits. Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirements.

This qualification is not accepted for this course.

Five GCSEs which must include Maths and English Language or English Literature all at grade C/4. Please note we do not accept Key skills or Functional skills in place of these.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway Programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Transfers / Foundation

Degree

Year 1:

Applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a degree in a related field elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have gained (or be expected to gain) 60% overall and 120 credits with no fails at another recognised university.

In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications, and this must include an academic reference.

Year 2:

We do not accept any transfers into year 2 of this programme.

Year 3/final year:

We do not accept any transfers into year 3 or final year of this programme.

View our Transfers Policy

Age of qualifications

Applicants must normally have achieved their eligible academic qualifications for entry onto this course within the last three years. Applicants presenting qualifications older than three years will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic Admissions Lead.

External Foundation Programmes

We consider external foundation programmes for entry into our year 1 programmes on a case-by-case basis. We will always require applicants to have met the following criteria prior to application:

5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English
BBB in any three subjects OR
CCC in three subjects, which must include one science from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.

Any conditional offers made will be based on meeting a specific grade in your foundation programme. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications.

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,535*
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees:	£22,575
During placement year:	£2,500

UK students (Home Undergraduate)

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2026/27 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses). The fee for the placement year is £1,250.

UK students (Overseas Undergraduate)

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2026/27 will be £22,575. The fee for the placement year is £2,500.

All students

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

We use a wide range of assessment methods on this course. The design of these is aimed to be as authentic as possible – to get the best out of each student and make sure that the full extent of their skills and knowledge is able to be demonstrated. Examples include:

Three-minute Thesis presentations – to develop your communication and prioritisation skills
Viva voce examinations, where you will have conversations to academics exploring the topics you have been studying
Problem papers – engage your critical thinking, handle data and interpret scientific results
Journal clubs – read the latest research, interpret and present it as a group

Career prospects

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Pharmacology course will be equipped with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed for a wide range of careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors. Potential career paths include roles in drug discovery and development, clinical research, toxicology, medical sales, regulatory affairs, and healthcare consultancy. This degree also provides a strong foundation for further study at MSc or PhD level in pharmacology, neuroscience, or biomedical sciences, opening the door to academic research and specialised scientific careers.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why should I choose Aston to study Pharmacology?

At Aston, we work with active researchers who specialise in areas such as schizophrenia, autism, dyslexia, epilepsy, processes underlying cognition, and developmental neuroscience. Our research feeds into our teaching, meaning you’ll be taught by experts in the field working on up-to-date studies.

Our mix of theoretical expertise and hands-on research work carried out in world-class facilities is perfect for setting you up for an exciting role in a wide range of enriching careers that make a difference.

What facilities will I get to use?

You'll have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities including a newly refurbished dedicated laboratory equipped with multiple recording setups, to allow intracellular and extracellular recording of brain cells in vitro, as well as receptor pharmacology experiments.

What is studying in Birmingham like?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.